Plumbing FAQ's in Vaucluse
These are the questions Vaucluse residents ask most often when booking a plumber. If your question isn't answered here, call 1800 349 338 and we'll explain what's involved and what you can expect.
What's included in the callout, and is there a separate fee?
For many service areas including Vaucluse, there's no separate call-out fee, the cost of the visit is included in the quoted job price. If a call-out fee applies in specific situations, it's confirmed when you book. Once onsite, the plumber assesses the issue, explains what's needed, and provides a fixed-price quote before work starts. You decide whether to proceed once scope and price are confirmed.
How quickly can you reach Vaucluse for an emergency?
Urgent jobs are dispatched immediately from the nearest available hub. Arrival timing depends on current bookings and traffic conditions at the time of the call, we provide an ETA when you book and update you if delays occur. For standard appointments, we schedule the work at a time that suits your availability, typically within the same day or next business day depending on demand.
Do I get a price before the work starts?
Yes. Once the plumber confirms what's needed onsite, you receive a fixed-price quote before any work begins. That price covers the job as scoped, no hourly charges, no surprise additions. If diagnostics reveal something outside the initial scope, we explain the options and provide a revised quote before proceeding. You can decide with full information at every step.
What does your warranty actually cover?
Our Lifetime Labour Warranty covers the quality of the workmanship, the installation or repair we performed. It doesn't cover wear-and-tear, misuse, or manufacturer faults in the parts or appliances themselves (those are covered by standard manufacturer warranties). If an issue arises with the work we completed, we'll return and fix it at no additional labour cost.
What should I do immediately if I smell gas?
If you smell gas (a sulphurous, rotten-egg odour), ventilate the area by opening windows and doors, don't operate any electrical switches or naked flames, and call a licensed gas fitter immediately. We'll dispatch a plumber to assess the situation, locate the leak, and make the system safe. Gas safety is urgent, don't wait to see if the smell goes away.
Why is my drain slow, and will it get worse?
Slow drainage typically indicates a partial blockage building up in the line, grease, hair, tree roots, or debris restricting flow. If ignored, the blockage usually worsens until the drain backs up completely or overflows. Early clearing prevents that escalation and reduces the risk of property damage. We use a CCTV drain camera to locate the restriction and confirm whether it's a simple blockage or a structural issue requiring repair.
Can you fix plumbing issues in strata properties?
Yes. We work regularly with strata managers across Sydney and understand the coordination required, confirming responsibility boundaries (lot vs common property), arranging access to occupied units, and providing documentation for strata records. Once onsite, we confirm whether the fault is within your lot or in common property before quoting, so there's no confusion about who's responsible for the cost.
What happens if you can't fix it on the first visit?
If parts need ordering, structural work is required, or access is restricted (e.g., needing to excavate or coordinate with other trades), we explain what's needed and book a return visit once materials and access are confirmed. You'll know the full scope and cost before any additional work proceeds. For most standard repairs, we carry the parts needed to complete the job the same visit.
Do your plumbers work in occupied homes respectfully?
Yes. Our plumbers arrive in uniform, carry ID, and follow entry instructions carefully. We use drop sheets to protect floors, keep noise as low as practical, and clean up the work area before leaving. If you have specific requests, boot covers, working around children or pets, minimising disruption, let us know when you book and we'll accommodate where possible.
How do I know if I need a plumber or if I can fix it myself?
If the issue involves water supply lines, gas lines, sewer connections, or anything requiring isolation of mains water or gas, it's safest to book a licensed, insured plumber. DIY plumbing can void insurance, fail building inspections, or create safety risks if done incorrectly. If you're unsure, a short call is enough, we'll explain what's involved and whether it's something you should leave to a professional.